Belly fat is a significant risk factor for heart disease and diabetes, while fat stored around the hips and thighs doesn’t hold the same risk.
Researchers from the Florida Hospital – Sanford-Burnham Translational Research Institute for Metabolism and Diabetes looked at the different genetic structure in thigh and belly fat and also how this differed between men and women.
They found the genes in these two areas were expressed differently and may program fat cells to respond to hormones and other signals.
Future studies could lead to location specific treatments.
Reference:
The Importance Of Fat Location And How Belly Fat Differs From Thigh Fat
Health News from Medical News Today